What is a thread lift?

A thread lift is a minimally invasive aesthetic procedure using absorbable threads such as PDO, PLLA or PCL to lift sagging skin and stimulate collagen production.

How long do thread lift results last?

Results vary depending on thread type and individual response, but improvements may last from several months to one to two years.

Is thread lift a surgical procedure?

Thread lifting is generally considered a minimally invasive aesthetic treatment and differs from surgical facelift procedures.

THREAD LIFTS

Facial thread lifting, also known as thread lift or thread facelift, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves the use of threads to lift and tighten sagging skin on the face and neck. This procedure has gained popularity in recent years due to its effectiveness and minimal downtime compared to traditional facelift surgery. In this article, we will discuss the details of the procedure, its benefits, and its potential risks.

Thread lifting is one of several procedures used to improve facial sagging and skin laxity. Patients researching common anti-ageing treatments used for facial rejuvenation may compare different approaches before deciding which option suits their concerns.

WHAT IS THREAD LIFTING?

Face thread lifting is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the insertion of threads under the skin to lift and tighten sagging skin on the face and neck. The threads used in this procedure are made of a biocompatible material such as polydioxanone (PDO) or polylactic acid (PLLA), which are absorbed by the body over time. The threads have small barbs (Happy Lift Thread) or cones (Silhoutte thread) on them that help to anchor them to the skin and provide the lifting effect.

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and a small incision is made in the skin where the thread is inserted. The thread is then guided under the skin to the desired location, and once in place, the skin is gently pulled upwards to lift and tighten the sagging skin.

PMC review to support the statement that thread lifts are minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedures using absorbable threads such as PDO, PLLA or PCL.

BENEFITS OF FACE THREAD LIFTING

Minimally invasive: Compared to traditional facelift surgery, face thread lifting is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require general anesthesia or large incisions.

Natural-looking results: The lifting effect provided by face thread lifting is gradual and subtle, which means that the results look natural and not overly dramatic.

Shorter recovery time: Since face thread lifting is a minimally invasive procedure, the recovery time is much shorter than traditional facelift surgery. Patients can usually resume their normal activities within a few days.

Stimulates collagen production: The threads used in face thread lifting are made of materials that stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin. This means that over time, the skin will continue to improve in texture and tone.

Collagen study to support the explanation that biodegradable threads may stimulate dermal collagen production and improve skin quality.

FACE THREAD LIFT VS OTHER NON-SURGICAL LIFTING OPTIONS

Face thread lift can be compared with other non-surgical lifting treatments such as Ultherapy, Density RF, laser skin tightening, or dermal fillers.

Key differences include:

Thread Lift

Physically lifts sagging tissue using absorbable threads
Results can be visible immediately with gradual collagen stimulation
Minimal downtime

Energy-Based Treatments (Ultherapy / Laser)

Work by stimulating collagen using heat or ultrasound energy
Results appear gradually over several months

Dermal Fillers

Restore volume loss rather than lifting sagging tissue

The most suitable treatment depends on skin condition, degree of sagging, and treatment goals, which is why a doctor assessment is important.

WHERE CAN IT BE USED?

Threads are being used to lift many parts of the body in medical aesthetic world. Face sagging is the most common area used. Nose lift, breast lifting, buttock lifting, stretch marks etc can be treated with threads achieving certain results.

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WHO IS THIS TREATMENT FOR?

Sagging face
Facial Jowling
Nasolabial fold improvement
Fine lines and firming skin
Jaw redefining
Cheeks lifting

WHAT TYPE OF THREADS ARE AVAILABLE?

Happy Lift Thread, Silhouette Soft Threads, PDO, and PCL are all materials used for face lifting procedures.

Happy Lift Thread: Happy Lift Thread is a type of thread used for face lifting that is made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). This material is biocompatible and biodegradable, meaning that it is easily absorbed by the body over time. The threads have small barbs or cones on them that help to anchor them to the skin and provide the lifting effect.
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. Happy Lift Thread provides a subtle and natural-looking lift to the skin and can be used on various areas of the face, including the cheeks, jowls, and neck.
Silhouette Soft Threads: Silhouette Soft Threads are another type of thread used for face lifting that is made of polylactic acid (PLA). These threads are also biocompatible and biodegradable and are designed to stimulate collagen production in the skin. The threads have small cones on them that help to anchor them to the skin and provide the lifting effect.
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. Silhouette Soft Threads provide a subtle and natural-looking lift to the skin and can be used on various areas of the face, including the cheeks, jowls, and neck.
korean PDO Threads: PDO (polydioxanone) Threads are a type of thread used for face lifting that is also biocompatible and biodegradable. These threads have small barbs or cones on them that help to anchor them to the skin and provide the lifting effect.
PDO Threads can be used for various types of lifting, including a full facelift or a brow lift. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. PDO Threads provide a subtle and natural-looking lift to the skin and can be used on various areas of the face, including the cheeks, jowls, and neck.
PCL Threads: PCL (polycaprolactone) Threads are another type of thread used for face lifting that is biocompatible and biodegradable. These threads have small barbs or cones on them that help to anchor them to the skin and provide the lifting effect. PCL Threads are designed to stimulate collagen production in the skin, which helps to improve the texture and tone of the skin over time.
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. PCL Threads provide a subtle and natural-looking lift to the skin and can be used on various areas of the face, including the cheeks, jowls, and neck.

In summary, Happy Lift Thread, Silhouette Soft Threads, PDO, and PCL are all materials used for face lifting procedures. These materials are biocompatible and biodegradable and provide a subtle and natural-looking lift to the skin. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. If you are considering a face lifting procedure, it is important to discuss your options with our qualified and experienced doctors to determine which material is best for your individual needs.

ARE ALL PATIENT SUITABLE FOR THREAD LIFTING?

Who is a good candidate for face thread lifting?
Face thread lifting is most effective for patients who have mild to moderate sagging of the skin on the face and neck. It is not recommended for patients with severe sagging or excess skin, as traditional facelift surgery may be a more appropriate option. Additionally, patients should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure.

But are these threads strong enough to hold those heavy thick sagging skin? The answer is simple. It is 101 physics. If the weight is too heavy, the pulling force may lose its tension. In simple terms, if the sagging is at its most advanced stage, one thread lifting will not give you the desired results. You may need more threads to lift the heavy or serious sagginess.

At RJ CLINIC, if the sagging is more serious, doctors will also use a combination of techniques to improve the condition, such as biostumulators, laser face lift, Ultherapy, sublimation, plasma energy, subcutaneous laser and more in addition to the thread lifting.

WHO IS SUITABLE FOR FACE THREAD LIFT?

Face thread lifting is suitable for patients who:

• Want non-surgical lifting and tightening of sagging skin
• Prefer natural-looking improvement rather than dramatic change
• Want a procedure with minimal downtime
• Have mild to moderate skin laxity on the cheeks, jawline or neck
• Are medically suitable after doctor assessment

This treatment may not be suitable for:

• Patients expecting results similar to surgical facelift
• Patients with very heavy or severe skin sagging
• Certain medical conditions that may affect healing
• Patients who have unrealistic expectations

ARE ALL THREADS THE SAME?

No there are not, there are many PDO (blue) Korean threads in the market. These threads are cheapest but the weakest.

The current PCL + PLLA (transparent) threads proprietarily by Menarini (Italy) is much stronger than PDO (blue) Korean threads. The name of this Italian thread is called HAPPY LIFT.

In comparison one ONE HAPPY LIFT is equivalent to SIX KOREAN PDO threads.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THREAD LIFT

There are several misunderstandings about thread lifting treatments.

❌ “One treatment works the same for everyone”
Different patients have different skin thickness, sagging level and facial structure.

❌ “Cheaper threads give the same results”
Thread quality, strength and placement technique can affect lifting performance.

❌ “Using more threads always gives better results”
Proper placement and treatment planning are more important than quantity.

In medical aesthetic treatments, technology, doctor experience, and patient suitability all influence the outcome.

RISK & COMPLICATIONS OF FACE THREAD LIFTING

As with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with face thread lifting.

These may include:

Bruising and swelling: Patients may experience bruising and swelling at the site of the procedure, which typically subsides within a few days.
Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the site of the procedure, which can be minimized by following proper aftercare instructions.
Thread breakage or migration: In rare cases, the threads used in face thread lifting may break or migrate, which may require additional treatment.
Nerve damage: There is a small risk of nerve damage with any procedure that involves incisions, but this risk is minimized with proper technique and placement of the threads.
Unsatisfactory results: While most patients are satisfied with the results of face thread lifting, there is a small chance that the results may not meet the patient's expectations.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER THE TREATMENT?

You should avoid opening your jaw/mouth too big, this will disrupt the anchorage tension.
You should avoid lying side ways or massage the areas.
You should keep the wound clean.
Precautions to be taken for 10 days.